Dr. M. Christopher Brown II has a vision for the future of the university he now leads.

The vision for Alcorn State University, the first land-grant, historically black college in America, includes further expansion into Vicksburg — a win-win for Alcorn and for Vicksburg.

A small satellite office exists in Vicksburg on Cherry Street, but Brown’s vision is to bring degree programs in nursing and criminal justice to the River City. Alcorn already has a substantial satellite campus in Natchez. Vicksburg would be the natural next fit.

As he laid out his plans Monday during a visit to Vicksburg, Brown looked forward to a bright future. He even downplayed his inauguration planned for Saturday, saying festivities planned for Lorman and Vicksburg “take time away from other things we could be doing.”

Brown brings the right mindset in trying to set the future course for what he calls the University of Southwest Mississippi, where he trumpets the university’s diversity and points out 13 percent of the students are non-blacks.

At 38 years old, Brown also brings a tremendous amount of experience, despite his relatively young age.

• He has written or edited 15 books and authored or co-authored more than 100 journal articles.

• He previously was executive vice president and provost at historically black Fisk University in Nashville.

• He previously was dean of the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

His resumé is impressive, to say the least.

It is the hope that Brown’s enthusiasm and energy, coupled with a vision for the future, hold steady. Alcornites in Vicksburg are proud. They wear the purple and gold on their sleeves and in their hearts. Each should be as excited about Alcorn’s future as the president.

Expanding Alcorn’s reach and influence further into Vicksburg could be a boon to both the city and the university.